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Warriors sign versatile Cowboys forward
Sport Nation • August 10th, 2026 4:14 pm
Sam McIntyre playing for the North Queensland Cowboys | Photo: Scott Radford-Chisholm/AAP
The Warriors have galvanised their pack with the signing of North Queensland Cowboys forward Sam McIntyre on a two-year deal.
The 28-year-old will join the Warriors after eight seasons in first grade, having made 95 NRL appearances since making his debut for the Wests Tigers in 2020.
Standing at 190cm and weighing 101kg, McIntyre has built a reputation as a tough and versatile forward. He has started in every position in the pack, including hooker, while also making a significant impact from the interchange.
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His ability to cover multiple positions is expected to provide Andrew Webster's side with added flexibility and depth as they reshape their forward pack for the next two NRL seasons.
McIntyre’s path to the NRL began with Newcastle in the 2017 NYC under-20s competition before he joined the Wests Tigers in 2018. He spent his first two seasons with feeder club Western Suburbs in the NSW Cup before making his NRL debut against the Cowboys in June 2020.
He went on to make 12 appearances for the Tigers before moving to the Gold Coast Titans, where he played 25 games across two-and-a-half seasons. McIntyre then joined North Queensland midway through the 2023 season and has since established himself as a reliable member of the Cowboys’ forward rotation.
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His 2024 form saw him earn selection for the Australian Prime Minister’s XIII, where he scored a try in a 42-20 victory over Papua New Guinea.
Warriors head coach Andrew Webster is already familiar with McIntyre, having been part of the Tigers’ NRL coaching staff when the forward was coming through the club.
“Sam impressed with his toughness and the work ethic he had as he pushed towards his NRL debut,” Webster said.
“He’ll provide great value to our squad as well as being a real help for the younger forwards on our roster.”
McIntyre becomes the Warriors’ fourth new signing for the 2027 season, joining Grant Anderson from the Brisbane Broncos, Melbourne Storm forward Will Warbrick and Riley Price from Redcliffe.
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